Masters of War
Sarna News
Masters of War, by Michael A. Stackpole, is about the brutal collision between Clan Wolf and the Wolf Hunters.
Contents
From the back cover
| “ | As Clan Wolf launches a daring campaign of reprisal against The Republic, three warriors will find their destinies intertwined on the field of battle, and in the fight for their futures.
Alaric is a legend among the Wolves. But his lust for victory may mean his undoing—unless he learns to see beyond himself. Anastasia is a former Wolf Clan warrior, now leading a band of mercs against her ex-comrades. Now she must prove not only her ability, but her complete separation from the Wolves—in combat. Verena is the new commander of a ragtag merc force. Her desire for greatness will uncover her own superior abilities, and draw her into a final confrontation in which mercy is unheard of—and only death awaits the unworthy. |
” |
Summary
Archon Melissa Steiner hatches a complex and risky plot to secure the Lyran Commonwealth for the coming Dark Age wars. Believing the greatest threat is a united and resurgent Free Worlds League, the Archon looks to duplicate the Arc-Royal Theater, where the melding of Clan and Inner Sphere forces created a powerful and lasting buffer between the Commonwealth and the invading Clans. Her idea is to convince Clan Wolf to move it's entire touman and people to the border between the Commonwealth and former Free Worlds League, with the bait being the many wealthy worlds available for the taking. Her cousin, Trillian, thinks the idea extremely dangerous, but the Archon believes the gamble is worth the danger.
Clan Wolf Khan Seth Ward accepts the proposal and challenges three of his ristars to design a strategy for moving the entire Clan without inviting attacks of opportunity. Star Colonel Alaric audacious proposal wins: invade The Republic of the Sphere, drive straight for Terra, and become the ilClan. Their enemies will be forced to unite against them, leaving a path open to the Commonwealth's [[rimward] border, and only after reaching the border will the Wolves' assault be revealed as a feint.
Meanwhile Colonel Anastasia Kerensky and her Wolf Hunters have been hired by business interests in Prefecture IX to defend against possible Clan Wolf and Clan Jade Falcon attacks. Mercenaries are being hired all over, including Verena, a former Steel Wolf who was rejected and cast out by Kerensky. Verena uses her reputation as a former Clansman to secure a position commanding an undisciplined company of misfits.
Featured characters
- Star Colonel Alaric
- Colonel Anastasia Kerensky
- Star Colonel Donovan
- Star Colonel Bjorn
- Verena
- Kennerly
- Katrina Steiner-Davion
- Khan Seth Ward
- Archon Melissa Steiner